Poker machine reforms passed through parliament

Poker machine reforms have passed through both houses of parliament, with the industry being granted a two year extension to comply with the changes.

The watered down legislation was introduced last month, after the government backed down on a deal with Independent MP Andrew Wilkie for madatory pre-commitment technology to be introduced on all poker machines.

After negotiations with the industry, a number of amendments were agreed to in parliament, meaning clubs will have longer to implement voluntary pre-commitment.

The changes will also see a $250 cahs withdrawel limit imposed on ATMs inside gambling venues.

The bill passed through the lowe house earlier in the afternoon, before also making it through the Senate in the evening